Public transportation in Los Angeles

Your trip to Los Angeles is approaching and you're looking for information on how to get around between different neighborhoods during your stay? Besides rental cars and taxis, public transportation in Los Angeles allows you to reach most of the city's attractions at a lower cost. Here's everything you need to know about buses and the metro in L.A

Public transportation in Los Angeles: Bus

With nearly 200 active routes, Los Angeles' bus network is extensive, allowing you to easily get around the city. However, plan ahead as the journeys can be slow. Buses rarely use express lanes and make frequent stops. There are several bus networks, with the main one being METRO, which also operates the metro lines! In L.A., the metro is referred to as the Metro Rail, so watch out for any confusion. Other local networks serve specific areas, such as the Big Blue Bus connecting to and from Santa Monica. To navigate this network, it's advisable to download one of the dedicated public transportation apps for the city, like "Los Angeles Bus Tracker" or "LA Metro & Bus Tracker." These apps provide route maps, help you plan your trips easily, and even allow you to pay for your tickets directly on your smartphone.

Bus Los Angeles

The bus fares in Los Angeles

Getting around by bus in L.A. is an economical solution since fares are very affordable. A single trip costs $1.75 on the METRO network, $1.25 on the Big Blue Bus network, and only $0.50 on the Downtown neighborhood bus network. You can purchase single ride tickets on the bus, but be sure to have exact change as no change will be given. Alternatively, you can use the TAP card, which allows you to load the desired number of trips. The METRO network also offers passes:

  • 1-Day Pass for $7
  • 7-Day Pass for $25
  • 30-Day Pass for $100

Prices may vary in some cases; for example, buses using express lanes may cost more. Note that most buses do not operate after midnight!

Public transportation in Los Angeles: the subway

The Metro Rail network in Los Angeles, known as Metro Rail, is still relatively limited but allows for quick travel to distant destinations without spending too much money. Like buses, the Metro in Los Angeles is operated by the METRO network. Metro Rail consists of 6 main lines serving 93 stations: the Red Line, the Blue Line, the Green Line, the Purple Line, the Gold Line, and the Expo Line. Two additional lines, the Orange Line and the Silver Line, complement this network. On these lines, the trains resemble buses but operate like Metro Rail (payment only at vending machines, stops at each station...).

Unlike buses, you cannot purchase tickets directly on the Metro. Again, pass systems (daily or weekly) and the use of the TAP card allow you to prepay for a certain number of trips based on the duration of your stay and the frequency of your travels. A single one-way trip on the Metro costs $1.75. Metro Rail operates from 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM, with schedules varying by line and day of the week.

métro los angeles
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Frequently Asked Questions

How to get around Los Angeles without a car?

Los Angeles is a sprawling city, and it's nearly impossible to get around without a car. However, there are public transportation services available, including buses and trains.

How to pay for buses in Los Angeles?

To pay for buses in Los Angeles, you need to use the TAP card. This card can be purchased at metro and bus stations, as well as select stores. Once you have the card, simply tap it on the reader when boarding the bus to validate your trip.

Where to buy a TAP card in Los Angeles?

The TAP card in Los Angeles is available at certain travel agencies and online.